The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents

by Lisa Damour

In teenagers, powerful emotions come with the territory. And as teens contend with with academic pressure, social media stress, worries about the future, and concerns about their own mental health, it’s easy for them—and their parents—to feel anxious and overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Parents who read this book will learn:

• what to expect in the normal course of adolescent emotional development and when it’s time to worry
• why teens (and adults) need to understand that mental health isn’t about “feeling good” but about having feelings that fit the moment, even if those feelings are unwanted or painful
• strategies for supporting teens who feel at the mercy of their emotions, so they can become psychologically aware and skilled at managing their feelings
• how to approach common challenges that come with adolescence, such as friction at home, spiking anxiety, risky behavior, navigating friendships and romances, the pull of social media, and many more
• the best ways to stay connected to their teens and how to provide the kind of relationship that adolescents need and want

With clear, research-informed explanations alongside illuminating, real-life examples, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers gives parents the concrete, practical information they need to steady their teens through the bumpy yet transformational journey into adulthood.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help, Family

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Damour feels like a trusted friend now that I’ve listened to three of her books. This latest book is full of practice advice and real life examples from her extensive experience with working with teens and parents. I will turn to this time and time again as I navigate the tween and teen years with my three children. I highly recommend all of Damour’s books to parents with children ages 10 and up. Listening to her books on the Libby app makes me feel like I’m sitting in a therapy session with her.

[Valerie Biggam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect mix of brain science and helpful advice. I literally have already used some of the strategies at both work and home during the course of reading this. I’m not a big buyer of books, but I am considering buying this one for reference.

[Kate Merolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parents are the intended audience for this book, but I loved reading. It shares a lot of theory and practical advice, grounded in psychology and compassion.

[Deena Lipomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teen brains are always learning and developing, and this book dives into the reasons behind some of their insecurities and how to help them work through it. The author offers practical advice and illustrates the benefits of talking with a therapist as well. It is an easy to follow book with real life examples and how the teens and their families worked through them, and a good read for parents or anyone who works with or lives with teens.

[Denise Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for parents.

[Katherine Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard back book. Excellent examples and how to work through difficult parts with teens. Good language scripting. Reminder of what normal looks like

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and very readable. It didn't feel like new information, but gave me ideas for ways to have some good conversations and better ways to listen.

[Julia Anuszewska · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and full of research and helpful tips and advice. Also so validating to parents of teens.

[Linsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent book about emotions of teenagers, written for parents.